Progressive Choice Celebrates Win for Marriage Equality in Florida

The following statement is a reaction from Progressive Choice, a 501(c)(4) issues advocacy organization fighting to protect core values like women's access to healthcare, marriage equality, public safety through gun control and public education funding for children and families:

“Progressive Choice applauds Judge Garcia’s ruling declaring Florida’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional (Huntsman v. Heavilin: Case No. 2014-CA-0305-K, 16th Judicial Circuit, Monroe County, FL). We celebrate this victory for equality, which isn’t just a victory for Florida, but for the nation as well. As Judge Garcia wrote in his decision, ‘…it is our country's proud history to protect the rights of the individual, the rights of the unpopular and the rights of the powerless, even at the cost of offending the majority.’

“Today’s decision brings marriage equality to an additional six percent of the country’s population, but LGBT Americans in 29 other states continue to fight for the same legal liberties that have been unjustly afforded exclusively to straight Americans. Progressive Choice remains steadfast in its work to reduce barriers to individual rights – rights that should be equal, regardless of what state you live in.

“While it is unfortunate that the right to marry the person you love is something that actually needs to be fought for in twenty-first century America, Progressive Choice remains in this fight until the end. Today, though, we celebrate this important victory for equality, and we welcome Florida to the right side of history on this fundamental issue.”

###

About Progressive Choice:

Progressive Choice is a 501(c)(4) organization representing a diverse coalition of fair-minded, forward-thinking individuals and organizations advocating for progressive principles and issues that grant equal individual rights for all.